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How to become a plumber in New Mexico
The license steps in New Mexico, from apprentice to master or contractor, taken from the official licensing pages – plus pay, apprenticeships and where to apply.
The short answer
In New Mexico apprentices work under a certified journeyman, a JP journeyman plumber certificate of competence requires two years of experience and a 75% exam score, and running a plumbing contracting business requires an MM-1 plumbing license, which requires four years of experience.
The steps in New Mexico
- 1
Start as an apprentice
Apprentices (as defined in state law) may work under the direct supervision of a certified journeyman; no one under 18 can be issued a certificate of competence.
- 2
Earn your journeyman (first independent) license
The JP journeyman plumber certificate of competence requires two years of experience and an exam given by the Construction Industries Division or its designee (75% or higher to pass); a JP may work under an MM-1, MS-3, MS-6 or MM-98 license.
- 3
Master or contractor license
New Mexico has no master plumber license; the MM-1 plumbing contractor classification requires four years of experience.
- 4
Keep your license current
Journeyman certificates of competence are valid for three years, and renewal requires at least 16 hours of approved course work, at least 8 of them on the current CID code.
Who licenses plumbers in New Mexico
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division. License types we found: MM-1 Plumbing (contractor classification), MM-98 Mechanical (contractor classification), JP Journeyman Plumber (certificate of competence).
Already licensed? Anyone can check a license on public.psiexams.com.
Licensed in another state?
New Mexico offers journeyman reciprocity: applicants submit the journeyman certificate application with a copy of their license from the reciprocal state to PSI.
Finding an apprenticeship
Most plumbers learn the trade through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship, with about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year plus classroom instruction, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeships are paid jobs with progressive wage increases, classroom instruction and a portable, nationally recognized credential; programs are approved by the Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Search programs at apprenticeship.gov, or ask local plumbing contractors and union locals.
Pay and job outlook
$63,800
Median yearly pay for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, May 2025 (BLS).
7%
Projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 42,000 openings a year (BLS).
4-5 years
Typical apprenticeship, with about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training a year (BLS).
National figures from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook; pay varies by state and city.
Already a plumber in New Mexico?
21 plumbing businesses are listed on Plumbers Pages so far. Add your business free, or see plumbers in New Mexico.
Sources
Requirements come from New Mexico’s official licensing pages and statutes, checked October 2026. Rules change – confirm with the licensing office before you apply.
- srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0004.html
- srca.nm.gov/parts/title14/14.006.0006.html
- rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/
- rld.nm.gov/about-us/public-information-hub/verify-a-license/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
- U.S. Department of Labor – Apprenticeship.gov for career seekers
General information, not legal advice. All states · How we write our guides